How to Live on Your Own in College
The idea of living on your own for the first time may be super exciting, or it may make you feel extremely nervous. That’s ok! Either way, here are our best tips to make living on your own easier once you get to college.
Talk to Your Roommate
This is the person you will be living with for the year! It’s important to reach out to them to coordinate what you’re bringing, but also to talk about schedules and boundaries to reduce any conflicts or issues that might arise.
Make a Schedule
One for more than just when your classes are. Set aside specific time to study and look ahead for campus events you might want to attend. Figure out when you can go to lunch, do your laundry, etc. Having a familiar routine helps build habits to fall back on when you’re tired, burn out or dealing with feelings of homesickness.
Know Where to Go
Before classes start, check out where your classes are so you don’t get stressed out on the first day of school. If it’s a large campus, find the building on the map and map your route. Other places you should find are:
- Laundry room`
- Cafeteria
- Library
- Gym or recreational center
Use Campus Resources
College campuses often have a ton of resources for students that help make living on your own easier. Check these out early so that you know where to go when the situation arises.
Locked out, roommate conflict or dorm-related issues
- Resident Advisors (RAs)
Academic advice
- Professors’ office hours
- Tutoring services
Research help
- Campus writing center
- Library research desk
Other resources
- Registrar
- Counseling and mental health services
- Disability/accessibility services
Attend campus events
The best way to live on your own is to not be alone! Going to campus events is a great way to meet new people and start building a community. It may seem scary, but everyone is in the same boat as you, and before you know it, you’re making connections that lead to potential study partners or life-long friends!